eine Prüfung bestehen

Using this phrase is very straightforward. You just need the subject, the verb bestehen, and the exam itself. Remember that bestehen takes the accusative case. So, you say Ich bestehe die Prüfung. If you already did it, use the Perfekt tense: Ich habe die Prüfung bestanden. You can add adverbs to show how well you did. For example, knapp bestehen means you barely made it. On the other hand, mit Bravour bestehen means you crushed it with flying colors. It is a very satisfying sentence to say out loud.

This phrase is your best friend in any academic or professional setting. Use it when you get your results for a university module. Use it when you finally get your driver's license (Führerscheinprüfung). It is also perfect for official language certificates like the Goethe-Zertifikat. If you are texting a friend to share good news, this is the phrase. In a job interview, you might mention exams you have already bestanden. It sounds professional and clear.

Do not use bestehen if you just sat for the exam but don't know the result yet. For that, use eine Prüfung machen or schreiben. Also, avoid using it for very casual things. You don't 'pass' a personality quiz on Buzzfeed. You 'do' it. Similarly, you don't bestehen a medical check-up. That would be an Untersuchung. If you are playing a game with friends, you gewinnen (win), you don't bestehen. Keep it for things that involve a grade or a certificate.

Germany is a land of certificates, or Zeugnisse. From your first grade in school to your master's degree, everything is documented. Passing an exam is often a legal requirement for many jobs. This makes bestehen a very heavy, significant word. There is even a specific tradition called Prüfungsangst (exam anxiety) because the stakes feel so high. When someone passes, it is common to celebrate with a Sekt (sparkling wine). It is a major life milestone every single time.

If you want to sound more like a native, try these. Die Prüfung bestehen is the standard. If you want to say you passed easily, say mit Leichtigkeit bestehen. If you want to say someone 'passed' a life test, you can say die Feuerprobe bestehen (to pass the trial by fire). If you are talking about the result being 'just enough,' use gerade so bestehen. Each variation adds a little flavor to your success story.